Car crash statistics in Santa Barbara, CA

We don't rate cities as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 4,190 crashes were reported in Santa Barbara from 2021–2025, 2,278 with an injury and 25 with a death. 54% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 54% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 4 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 25% were on a freeway.

Set against all reported crashes in California, 2021–2025. Without traffic counts these can't say how risky a street is.

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 4,190 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed20% · 852
• Unsafe turning or lane change17% · 728
• Driving under the influence17% · 712
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn9% · 391
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side5% · 190

By type of collision: rear end 26%, side swipe 19%, hit object 18%, broadside 16%.

The latest year can rise as late reports come in, and some police departments file months late.

• 199 crashes (5%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 552 crashes (13%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 128 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Santa Barbara each year?

Reported crashes in Santa Barbara: 2021: 830, 2022: 828, 2023: 866, 2024: 927, 2025: 739. The latest year can rise as late reports come in, and some police departments file their reports months late.

What time do most crashes happen in Santa Barbara?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Santa Barbara is 4 p.m.. 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Santa Barbara?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 4,190 crashes: unsafe speed 20%, unsafe turning or lane change 17%, driving under the influence 17%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 9%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 5%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Santa Barbara?

25 crashes killed someone in 4,190 reported crashes in Santa Barbara from 2021–2025, and 2,278 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Santa Barbara involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

199 involved a pedestrian (5%), 552 involved a bicyclist (13%), 128 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 4,190 reported crashes from 2021–2025.

Where does this data come from?

Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov. Every reported crash is counted, whatever the vehicles, and no locations are used.